Seismic behavior of a full-scale RC frame repaired using CFRP laminates

The opportunities provided by the use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites for the seismic repair of reinforced concrete (RC) structures were assessed on a full-scale dual system subjected to pseudodynamic tests in the ELSA laboratory. The aim of the CFRP repair was to recover the structural properties that the frame had before the seismic actions by providing both columns and joints with more deformation capacity. The repair was characterized by a selection of different fiber textures depending on the main mechanism controlling each component. The driving principles in the design of the CFRP repair and the outcomes of the experimental tests are presented in the paper. Comparisons between original and repaired structures are discussed in terms of global and local performance. In addition to the validation of the proposed technique, the experimental results will represent a reference database for the development of design criteria for the seismic repair of RC frames using composite materials. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.